Power Echols

Power Echols (born January 20, 2003) is an American professional football linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Early life

Echols's father, Brian Echols, played college football at Michigan State. His mother, Astarlove Robinson-Russell, played college basketball at Western Michigan; she named him after the actor Powers Boothe.

Echols attended Vance High School in Charlotte, where he played three seasons for the football team. In those two seasons, he was named all-state and the Charlotte Observer Defensive Player of the Year. A four-star recruit, he committed to North Carolina over offers from Clemson and Penn State.

College career

Echols appeared in all 13 games for the North Carolina Tar Heels in his true freshman season in 2021, recording 25 tackles and one interception. He finished his sophomore season with 103 tackles (including a team-high 70 solo tackles) with five going for a loss, two sacks, and one interception, earning an All-ACC honorable mention.

Echols started all 13 games in his junior season in 2023. He had 102 tackles (including 60 solo) with 5.5 for loss, two forced fumbles, and one interception, earning third-team All-ACC honors. He recorded 11 tackles in a 30–10 loss to West Virginia in the 2023 Duke's Mayo Bowl. He started 12 games and recorded 76 tackles with 1.5 for loss, 0.5 sacks, and one interception, being named All-ACC honorable mention.

Professional career

Chicago Bears Echols signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2025. He was waived on August 25 and re-signed to the practice squad two days later. On September 1, Echols was waived from the practice squad.

Houston Texans On December 23, 2025, Echols was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad.

Seattle Seahawks On August 7, 2026, Echols signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He was waived the next day. Echols re-signed on August 17. He was waived/injured on August 30.